Can religion be an addiction?

Can religion be an addiction? (Photo: iStock)

We throw the word addiction around a bit too casually, like a man keeping tabs on every football march or a woman who obsessively shops. Well, if those behaviours cause dysfunction, in the sense that the subject is unable to attend to other important aspects of their lives, say family or work, then yes, it is addiction.

But what about dedication to God? What about being a regular church attendee, following a belief and rules set by a particular church? Being a regular tithe payer or a 'kingdom funder' in a local church?